02.25.2011
New York Times Bestseller Launching Her Latest
Author of the New York Times bestseller Black Magic Sanction, Kim Harrison will stop by the East Side Library at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, March 1 on tour for her newest book, Pale Demon. It is the story of what happens when an elf, pixie, a living vampire, and a witch who dabbles in black magic are forced to travel 2300 mines cross-country (in three days or less), jammed into an ’89 Buick.
Harrison is one of the leading voices in urban fantasy with more than 2.5 million copies currently in print, including her bestselling Hollows novels. Fantasy readers may be more familiar with Harrison’s writings under the pen name of Dawn Cook, where she is known for her Decoy Princess and Truth series, published in the first few years of the 21st century. As Kim Harrison, she is best known for her Rachel Morgan urban fantasy series set in an alternate history where a worldwide pandemic caused by genetically modified tomatoes led to the death of a large portion of the world's human population. In 2008, Harrison was described by HarperCollins Voyager Publishing Director Jane Johnson as the best example of the urban fantasy sub-genre which she described as, "the supernatural erupting into the everyday—sexy, tongue-in-cheek, post-modern.
Kim Harrison was born and raised in the upper Midwest. After gaining a Bachelor degree in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she remained until recently moving back to Michigan because she missed the snow. She is currently developing a young adult series between working on the Hollows books and a Hollows-based graphic novel. Harrison is a member of both the Romance Writers of America and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. When not at her desk, she is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, or scouring antique shops to fill it.According to her blog, Kim was, “the only girl in a large family of boys and invented the first Brigadier General Barbie in self-defense.” She notes that she “shoots a very bad game of pool and rolls a very good game of dice.” When not at her keyboard, she enjoys lounging on the couch with a bowl of popcorn watching action movies with The-Guy-In-The-Leather-Jacket. She plays her Ashiko drum when no one is listening, and is hard to find when the moon is new.
Beaverdale Books will have copies available for sale and signing following this event.
Soul Food Festival
Just as always, the annual Soul Food Festival will be held the first Saturday in March! This year it falls on Saturday, March 5 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Forest Avenue Library. Come enjoy foods like fried chicken, greens, red beans and rice, jambalaya, black eyed peas, corn, sweet potato pie, cakes and cookies, -- even macaroni and cheese! There will also be hot dogs for the little ones. If you love soul food, you won’t want to miss this awesome event!
02.14.2011
Here Comes AViD 2011!
The Des Moines Public Library is proud to announce the authors selected this year for the eleventh season of the AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) Author Series.The much-anticipated lineup will, once again, offer a fascinating mix of outstanding authors.The books featured will also be a diverse mix-from local issues such as Iowa's brain drain, to the global challenges of human trafficking in the mountainous regions of Nepal, to how a family deals with the aftermath of the tsunami in Thailand. A total of eight events will be offered this year.
Patrick J. Carr
Monday, April 11, at 7:00 PM: Central Library
Hollowing Out the Middle: the Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America
In 2001, with funding from the MacArthur Foundation, sociologists Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas moved to Iowa to understand the rural brain drain and the exodus of young people from America's countryside. They met and followed working-class "stayers"; ambitious and college-bound "achievers"; "seekers," who head off to war to see what the world beyond offers; and "returners," who eventually circle back to their hometowns. What surprised them most was that adults in the community were playing a pivotal part in a town's decline by pushing the best and brightest young people to leave.
Anne Lamott
Wednesday, April 13, at 7:00 PM: Hoyt Sherman Place Theater
Imperfect Birds
Anne Lamott is the author of six novels including, Hard Laughter, Rosie, Joe Jones, All New People, and Crooked Little Heart (the sequel to Rosie), as well as four bestselling books of non-fiction,Operating Instructions, an account of life as a single mother during her son's first year, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, a guide to writing and the challenges of a writer's life,Traveling Mercies, a collection of autobiographical essays on faith, and Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith. Anne Lamott has been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, and has taught at UC Davis, as well as at writing conferences across the country.
Rainbow Rowell
Monday, April 18, at 7:00 PM: Central Library
Attachments
Rainbow Rowell is a columnist for the Omaha World-Herald and a feature writer for the Living section and Omaha.com.Her columns and stories focus on all types of popular culture, including movies, books, music, television and trends, as well as family and lifestyle issues, all filtered through Rainbow's unique way of looking at the world. Her first novel, Attachments is a romantic comedy set at a Midwest newspaper.
Robert V. Morris
Monday, April 25, at 7:00 PM: Central Library
Black Faces of War: A Legacy of Honor from the American Revolution to Today.
Robert V. Morris is an Iowa native, the grandson and son of two decorated army officers.He founded the Fort Des Moines Memorial Park and the WWII Iowa Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at the Des Moines International Airport. His documentary Tradition and Valor was broadcast on Iowa Public Television. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa, has taught journalism at Iowa State University and is a past-president of the NAACP Iowa-Nebraska Conference. His new book, Black Faces of War: A Legacy of Honor from the American Revolution to Today, honors the men and women of color who have served in the American army.
Debbie Macomber
Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 PM: Hoyt Sherman Place Theater
A Turn in the Road
With more than 130 million copies of her books in print, Debbie Macomber is one of the world's most popular authors. A number 1 New York Times bestselling author, she is best known for her ability to create compelling characters and bring their stories to life in her books. Drawing on her own experiences and observations, Debbie writes heartwarming tales about small-town life, home and family, enduring friendships and women who knit and every book features her delightful sense of humor.
Last year Debbie saw her first cookbook, first children's book and second non-fiction inspirational book published. Her earlier novel, Mrs. Miracle, was broadcast in 2009 as a made-for-TV movie by Hallmark Channel.She lives in Washington and winters in Florida with her husband, Wayne. When not writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, and putting on Grandma Camps for her grandchildren.
Conor Grennan
Tuesday, June 7, at 7:00 PM: Hoyt Sherman Place Theater
Little Princes
Conor Grennan, author of the memoir Little Princes, served as Deputy Director for the Security and Governance Program at the East/West Institute, where he developed and managed a wide variety of projects focusing on issues such as peace and reconciliation in the Balkans, community development in Central Eastern Europe, and harmonizing anti-trafficking policy at the highest levels government in the European Union and the former Yugoslavia.In 2004, he left EWI to travel the world and volunteer in Nepal.
He eventually returned to Nepal and founded Next Generation Nepal, an organization dedicated to reconnecting trafficked children with their families and combating the root causes of child trafficking in rural villages in Nepal. He was based in the capital of Kathmandu, where he was the Executive Director of Next Generation Nepal, until September 2007.Conor now serves on the Board of Next Generation Nepal, together with his wife, Liz.
Dr. Benjamin Beck, Dr. Robert Shumaker, and Kristina R. Walkup
Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00 PM: Central Library
Animal Tool Behavior:The Use and Manufacture of Tools by Animals
When published in 1980, Dr. Benjamin B. Beck's, Animal Tool Behavior, was the first volume to capture and analyze the use of tools by animals. Beck showed that animals - from insects to primates - employed different types of tools to solve numerous problems. In a revised and updated edition of the landmark publication, Robert Shumaker and Kristina Walkup join Beck to reveal the current state of knowledge regarding animal tool behavior.
Benjamin Beck is the director of conservation at Great Ape Trust.Robert W. Shumaker is the vice president of life sciences at the Indianapolis Zoo, the author of Orangutans, and coauthor, with Benjamin B. Beck, of Primates in Question. Kristina R. Walkup is an adjunct assistant professor at Drake University.
Monday, September 12, at 7:00 PM: Hoyt Sherman Place Theater
Cross Currents
Native Iowan John Shors returns with his fifth novel about a trio of Americans and a local family on an island in Thailand whose personal dramas play out against the tsunami of 2004. John's first four novels, Beneath a Marble Sky, Beside a Burning Sea, Dragon House, and The Wishing Trees, have won multiple awards, and have been translated into twenty-five languages.He has spent much of his life abroad, traveling in Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North America.
The AViD Author Series is made possible with funding from the Des Moines Public Library Foundation with generous support from Humanities Iowa, Douglas and Deborah West, Iowa History Center at Simpson College, Iowa Council for International Understanding, Jim and Roxanne Conlin, Drake University, John and Patsy Shors, Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, Forest Avenue Library Brick Fund, Meredith Corporation, and the Friends of the East Side Library.
Climbing to the Top of the World's Tallest Free Standing Mountain
Standing at an altitude of 19,340 ft, Kilimanjaro is recognized as one of the seven continental giants and is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. It is a definite must do for anyone claiming the status of a mountaineering enthusiast. Join us at the Central Library on Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 PM where mountain-climbing team members will share captivating photos and incredible experiences from their most recent trip to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and their work at the Dar-ul-Muslimeen orphanage in Morogoro.
Peak 4 Poverty's mission is to raise awareness about children who have either been infected, or affected by the AIDS/HIV virus in Africa. The philosophy is to empower these children through education so that they can achieve economic self-sufficiency, access to affordable housing, health care, and meaningful employment on which they can build and secure a successful future. There are over 14 million AIDS orphans in sub-Sahara Africa with that number growing daily. Every 14 seconds a child in Africa is orphaned by AIDS.
Libraries Closed
All six branches of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 21. Library employees will take unpaid leave as part of the city's budget reduction for FY 2010/2011.
Will James' Journey be Peachy Keen?
One dark night, a mysterious man gives James Trotter an unexpected gift... a bag of glowing, wriggling lights and a promise of magic. We will be giving away a gift of our own-free tickets to the play! Join us for a sneak preview of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl in the Children's Area of the Central Library on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30 AM.
When the lights in James' bag break free, something amazing happens: on a long-dead tree, a single peach begins to grow and grow and grow. Little does James realize that the giant peach will become a magical escape from his horrifying Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. James and his newfound insect friends embark on an extraordinary journey that takes them halfway around the world. Along the way, there are dangers and excitement, friends and enemies, music and laughter.
Will James survive the journey and find the new life he longs for?
James and the Giant Peach will be on stage at the Des Moines Playhouse starting February 18.
Civic Engagement at the Library: What is the Mission of Our Public Schools?
From the very start, Americans have held widely divergent views on issues related to public schools. Many of these have to do with the methods by which we achieve an educated society. Citizens have the opportunity to discuss this public issue in a moderated forum. The discussion will be held Saturday, February 19 at 9:15 AM in the Meeting Room Wing of the Central Library. To participate, please register at http://www.dmpl.org (Online Events Calendar), or call 515-283-4957. Preregister.
How do we ensure that our schools are accessible to all children? What is the role of families in the education of their children? Should we prepare students to be successful in the workplace, to be active and responsible citizens, or help students discover and develop their talents? All of these questions and more will be answered during our discussion!
Snow Much Fun for Teens!
Teen Anime Club
Tuesday, February 15, 4:00 PM
Teens in grades 8-12 are welcome to join us to watch two episodes of Dragon Ball Z Kai on the big screen! Anime episodes are rated TVPG. Snacks will be provided!
Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Discussion
Wednesday, February 16, 2:00 PM
Students ages 13-18 will meet at the North Side Library to discuss In the Woods, by Robin Stevenson. Copies of the book are available at the desk. Pizza will be available to discussion participants!
Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Discussion
Tuesday, February 22, 3:00 PM
Students ages 13-18 will meet at the South Side Library to discuss Z for Zachariah, by Robert C. O'Brien. Copies of the book are available at the desk. Pizza and beverages will be available to discussion participants!
Good Clean Fun: Teen D.I.Y. Craft
Wednesday, February 23, 2:00 PM
Winter winds drying you out? Come to the Franklin Avenue Library/MHM to make your own body scrub and lip balm to help beat the winter blues!
Have Questions About College or Need Help with the Forms? Come to DMPL!
Get Help Filing the FAFSA --- Saturday, February 19, 10:00 AM Central Library
Volunteers from the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) and area educational organizations will be on site to help people complete and file their Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in Central Library's computer lab.
Tuesday, February 22, 4:00 PM Forest Avenue Library
Considering college? Students in grades 6-12 can learn more about it with fun activities in the KnowHow2Go series. Funded by Iowa College Access Network. Snacks and prizes at every program. To register groups of five or more, e-mail Ashley at aransah@dmpl.org.
Beautiful Italy! --- Monday, February 14, 4:00 PM
Passport to adventure will land in Italy this week! Customize your passport with stickers, listen to folk tales, create multicultural crafts, and try some ethnic treats at the North Side Library (for ages 6-11).
Teeth as White as Snow!: Make-It-And-Take-It Craft
Monday, February 14 - Friday, February 18, 10:00 AM February is Dental Health month. Come in this week to make a picture of your smile at the North Side Library!
A Frog in the Bog
Thursday, February 17, 4:00 PM
We will read A Frog in the Bog, by Karma Wilson and make a frog craft! Ages 3-8.
Get Out of Your Shell!
Tuesday, February 22, 4:00 PM
Ages 3-8 are invited to the Franklin Avenue Library/MHM where we will read a story about a turtle and decorate a turtle picture! This Make-It-And-Take-It Craft is a Hoot! --- Saturday, February 26, 11:00 AM Create an owl from a paper bag at the Central Library Children's Area!
Winter Fun for Kids!
Toddler Storytime
Thursday, February 17, 10:00 AM & 10:30 AM
Grandparent's Tea Party! Bring your grandparent(s) with you to the Central Library for some storytime fun!
Booktalking the Battle Books
Thursday, February 17, 4:00 PM Central Library
Get a jump on the Battle of the Books booklist! We will booktalk three or four of the battle books at each program. This month we will talk about Everything for a Dog, Satch & Me, and Faith, Hope, and Ivy June. Join us for snacks, crafts, and games! Open to any kid who loves reading! Please preregister online or by calling 283-4152, ext. 3. Ages 8-up. Meeting Room One.
39 Clues Club
Monday, February 28, 4:00 PM North Side Library
Are you following the clues? Join us as we discuss the fourth book in the series, Beyond the Grave. Learn to play the game online, collect the cards, and win cool prizes. Ages 8-12. Preregistration required.
Family Story Time
Monday, February 28, 6:30 PM
Sing songs and listen to stories about hugs at the South Side Library!
Looking Forward to Spring? WiiT Are!
Teen Gaming
Tuesday, February 15, 3:00 PM South Side Library
Hey, teens - Are you tired of sitting around? Come rock out at the library with Rock BandT! Snacks will be provided!
Tween Gaming
Tuesday, February 15, 4:00 PM Forest Avenue Library
Do you feel like the winter season is dragging on? Well, good news, students are invited to join us in kicking the bad weather out and inviting spring in! Come hang out and play WiiT or join out 'spoons' tournament. Snacks provided!
Teen and Tween Gaming!
Wednesday, February 23, 2:00 PM North Side Library
Play WiiT on our big screen or challenge your friends to a board game. Snacks will be provided!
Wii Gaming for Adults
Friday, February 25, 2:00 PM East Side Library
Adults, have you been getting cabin fever lately? Well, the East Side Library has a great way to kick-start all of your spring activities like golf, tennis, boxing, and baseball! It's Wii gaming for grown-ups!
You Will LOVE These Book Discussions!
The Girls From Ames
Tuesday, February 15, 6:00 PM Central Library
Would you like to view literacy in a different way? This event is a great way to discover your reading interests and get book feedback from others! Join us for a discussion of the book The Girls From Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship, by Jeffrey Zaslow. Also available in large print, audio book, or electronic resource. Study Room One. Preregister.
Sarah's Key
Wednesday, February 16, 2:00 PM East Side Library
Join us to discuss Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay. This story will discover the connections between a Jewish girl in 1942 and a writer of present day trying to unravel her family history. Copies of the book may be borrowed from the library. Treats provided.